Kim E., Susan S., and I are collaborating on the issue of "healing the
environment". We have been browsing the Art and Ecology Website and have
found Ron Hirsci's work fascinating, as well as Joesph Beuys' 7000 Oaks
project that began in Germany, but has extended to this side of the
Atlantic. Our team of 3 sees how trees are yanked from the earth in order
to meet the growing needs of our city. A nearby mini-mountain has also
had difficulty retaining its tree population. We will be exploring the
reasons for the decrease in trees in our Mt. Lemmon and contacting forest
service representatives for additional information.

We view the issue of healing the environment, specifically in regard to
trees as extremely important. Haven't we all found a memorable tree that
was either incredibly radiant with "fall colors", or one that was
profoundly beautiful (whether in its younger years, in its prime, or in
its declining years), or one that was the best climbing tree in the whole
world, or one that was simply lovely to sit under on a hot, windless
summer afternoon?

Trees are a critical link in nature as well. Their branches reach up and
out, providing shade for species of plants underneath that would die from
over-exposure to the elements. Trees provide important habitats for an
incredible variety of creatures ranging from birds and squirrels, to
rabbits, skunks, and raccoons, to even worms, centipedes, snails, slugs,
beetles, etc. Each creature is an equally important link in the
eco-system, with the trees at the center. Although we are not prepared to
dicuss the details of "how" photosynthesis works, we recognize that trees
produce the oxygen we all need to exist.

We will be working on a lesson plan and a series of related activities
that will shed light on this issue. In addition, since the outside
activities we plan to engage in will benefit all local residents, we are
trying to brainstorm how we as teachers would recruit support (by
receiving feedback, ideas and suggestions from those who have been there
and done it, by physical support in volunteer hours, and by financial
assistance as well). We note the incredible program and support that the
Pickerington community has shown in its environmental healing project and
other projects that took off as a result of so much community involvement.

We would love to hear from anyone who has "been there, done it" with
regard to community involvement in a related issue as ours. We'd also
appreciate hearing from anyone who has thoughts of any sort with regard to
projects that involve students getting out there and planting trees.